Xcel Energy has completed a 345 kV transmission line running from northern Hansford County, Texas, to Woodward, Okla. According to the company, the $64 million project is part of Xcel's Power for the Plains capital investment plan to help increase grid reliability, as well as to tap into cheaper wind power supplies in the east.

Xcel Energy built the project in partnership with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co., and the two companies are also working on a second major connection project: The TUCO-to-Oklahoma 345 kV transmission line runs almost 200 miles from the TUCO Substation north of Abernathy, Texas, to Woodward, Okla. That project is scheduled for completion this fall.

“Much in the same way the interstate highways opened up new markets and brought more choices to Americans, these lines will provide more options for purchasing power that is often less expensive than power sources closer to home,” says David Hudson, president and CEO of Southwestern Public Service Co., an Xcel Energy company.

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